Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota, Representative Ilhan Omar.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Pressley).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Ms. Sherrill).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is an honor to stand before you today and express my deepest appreciation for Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.'s outstanding dedication and remarkable achievements. As we gather here tonight, I am reminded of the immense impact that one individual can have, not just on their district, but on the entire Nation. His dedication to addressing critical issues facing our society, from healthcare to gun violence prevention, economic equality to social justice is a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Furthermore, Congressman Payne, Jr.'s leadership on international issues has been nothing short of exemplary. As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I have had the privilege of working with him on various issues. Let us continue to support and honor his legacy by working together to build a more inclusive future for all Americans. Thank you, Congressman Donald Payne, for your friendship, dedication, leadership, and service. The 10th Congressional District of New Jersey was truly fortunate to have you as their voice in Congress. May you rest in power. Congressman Donald Payne would always be here for every Special Order hour. We could all rely on him to be here with his smile and his encouragement. I remember the first days when I first started in Congress, he was always supportive. He stood with me on issues that affected Haiti and the Caribbean and Black issues. He stood us with us when we had to do Special Order hour and came here. He always had a speech for everyone. He always had a mission to make sure that his district and the communities he served had a place in Congress, but more than that had a voice in Congress. Donald Payne will be missed, as a great friend to the Congress, as a great friend to me, as a great friend to everyone in Congress who he knew. We will think of him every single day: his smile, his laugh, his joy. As we remember him today, it is a sad time for us, but we find joy in knowing that he is in a better place. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, that concludes our joint CBC and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse's Special Order hour. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to co-anchor the CBC Special Order hour, along with my distinguished colleagues, Representative Jonathan Jackson and Stacey Plaskett. For the next 60 minutes, Members of the CBC have an opportunity to discuss the crisis of Haiti, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Yvette Clarke for her statements. I also recognize that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has submitted her comments for the Record. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. Again, I thank our Congresswoman from New York, Yvette Clarke, for working tirelessly with us. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Today, I stand before you, Mr. Speaker, to discuss the future of Haiti. Haiti is a country with an inspirational global history and a rich culture, but it has encountered numerous obstacles over the years, such as political turmoil and dire gang violence. Gangs currently control 80 percent of the capital; 1.4 million Haitians are nearing famine; 362,000 people are internally displaced; and young girls are regularly victims of gender-based violence. In short, the gang violence has caused life in Haiti to be unbearable. The Haitian people have been crying out for help, but the Republican Party has been holding up funding for the security mission to help more than 2 million people in Haiti for the last 6 months. The security mission in Haiti is critical to protecting the Haitian people and creating an environment necessary for peace, stability, democracy, and self-determination. We are at a tipping point, and we need a solution now--no debates and no political games. Haiti cannot wait any longer for the Multinational Security Support Mission. Every single day we wait, we risk another life. We must end this nightmare and terror facing the Haitian people. Instead of actively working toward a solution, Republicans are holding these funds to further their radical agenda. Haiti is in our backyard. Its insecurity is a direct threat to America's security. No one wants to leave their homes; they are forced to. Despite receiving 70 briefings since October 2023, Republicans continue to spread misinformation and are engaging in fearmongering toward Haitian migrants coming to the United States. They are refusing to propose real solutions while lives hang in the balance and our national security is under real threat. Let me be clear. The United States supports the security of the Haitian people. I commend the Biden-Harris administration and Secretary Blinken for pledging a total of $300 million to support the MSS. The Biden-Harris administration just announced an additional $25 million in addition to humanitarian assistance for Haiti. This builds on the $33 million for humanitarian assistance Secretary of State Blinken announced last month. Republicans must stop playing these political games with Haitian lives and release their hold on the Multinational Security Support Mission now. The longer we hold the funds, the more Haitian people die and flee to the United States. Recently, we have seen more Governors talking about this fear of Haitian people coming to our borders, but the truth is that if we step in now and release the funding, we would have the security necessary so no one has to leave their homes. Every day, we see more children, women, boys, and girls who are being brutalized, kidnapped, and raped in front of their families. Rape has been used as a tool to intimidate the Haitian people. How can we stand as Americans who call Haiti and Haitian people our allies and not come to their defense? How can we stand in this very moment when we see Haitian lives every single day being sacrificed and being killed and do nothing? How can we play these political games while we have so many family members who are dying? Being the only Haitian American in Congress and the first Democrat, it breaks my heart that we are in this place, and I can see my Republican counterparts playing these games. Every single day, I live in fear of hearing another family member has died in Haiti. Every single day, we have more than 1.2 million Haitian Americans living in the United States who are in fear that family are being murdered. Right now, we have Haitian Americans who cannot be evacuated soon enough to get out of the country. We have elderly people who came to the United States, worked very hard, and went back to retire in their home country but cannot get out of the country and are being threatened and beaten. We see children every single day being forced into being part of a gang and have been tasked with burning bodies and actually shooting on first sight when they see people. How can we as Americans every single day see these atrocities and do nothing? How do we live and have a conscience and come to Congress and continue to play games? We must do what is right for the Haitian people and the American people. We must live up to our greatness and put an end to these political games and do what is right. As the leaders of the global economy and as the leaders of the international world, let us stop playing these games and finally lead with compassion. Our strength is in our ability to come together and service all humanitarian people, all humanity. Let us act today and stop playing these games. For the last 6 months, we have been begging for these funds to be released. To be honest with you, Mr. Speaker, $40 million being released for this mission is nothing compared to what we have spent in other regions, so why not for a country that is right in our backyard? Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter). Madam Speaker, today I rise to discuss a pressing issue that has long lingered in the shadows of society, which is the reality of health disparities that disproportionately impact Black men and boys in the United States. It is of grave concern that requires our collective attention, empathy, and most importantly, action. The staggering health disparities faced by Black men and boys in the United States demands concrete legislative action. As Members of Congress, it is our duty to fight tirelessly to end these disparities through comprehensive and long-term policies that address the root causes of these injustices. We cannot ignore the profound and harsh truth that health and well- being of Black men and boys are in jeopardy. We see this truth manifest in the life expectancy gap that persists between Black and White men in America. Studies have shown that Black men are more likely to experience significantly shorter lifespans than their White counterparts. This is both at birth and at the age of 65. According to the CDC, for White men, life expectancy at birth is about 6 years longer than at 65. However, for Black men, that gap is over 9 years, showing that Black men are more likely to die prematurely. This is not merely a statistical anomaly but a symptom of a system that does not address the root causes of these disparities. Such studies have shown that the burden of chronic disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, disproportionately affect Black men and boys. This is not a result of a mere circumstance but, rather, a consequence of systemic issues, including limited access to quality healthcare, economic disparities, and racism. Furthermore, diseases like obesity impact Black men and boys at alarming rates. Obesity-related health disparities are felt most acutely by underserved populations, including populations and communities of color, low-income communities, and those who live in rural areas. That why I introduced H. Res. 1047, a resolution alongside my CBC colleague, Gwen Moore, recognizing the urgent need to prevent and treat obesity as a disease to reduce the risk of related diseases and comorbidities amongst the Black community. We must acknowledge that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege dictated by one's racial or ethnic background. To bridge the gap in life expectancy and to address the prevalence of chronic diseases, we must prioritize this issue and allocate resources for preventive care and community health programs in underserved areas. The mental health crisis amongst Black men and boys is also of major concern. The stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community often prevents individuals from seeking the health they desperately need. As a result, Black men and boys are more likely to suffer in silence, leading to higher rates of untreated mental health issues and, tragically, a greater risk of suicide. We must champion comprehensive legislation, expanding access to mental health services by allocating funds for mental health awareness campaigns, destigmatization initiatives, and community-based mental health clinics. We can create an environment where Black men and boys feel comfortable seeking help when they need it. We cannot turn a blind eye to these horrific disparities any longer. It is our moral imperative to confront the root causes of this crisis and work collectively toward a more equitable and just healthcare system. We must advocate for policies that address socioeconomic inequalities, improve access to education, increase employment opportunities, and eliminate the racial biases that exists within the healthcare system. All these things are possible if Members of Congress commit to changing the trajectory of our Black men and our boys. I have been fortunate to raise a Black boy, and I pray every day that he can actually live beyond the odds. That is going to take more than prayer. That will take actions from all of our colleagues to make sure that all of our children have the same opportunities, regardless of their race, where they live, and where they are from. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to start supporting, allocating funds, and taking affirmative steps to change the trajectory of our Black men and boys, starting with health inequalities, specifically mental health and obesity treatments and comorbidities. Madam Speaker, you have heard from my distinguished colleagues on Black men and boys, all issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, Congress, and all Americans tonight. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative McBath for her remarks. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), my honorable colleague.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter), my honorable colleague.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Davis for his words. I yield to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject matter of the Special Order hour.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to co-anchor the CBC's Special Order hour with Member Jonathan Jackson from the great Chicago, Illinois. For the next 60 minutes, we have the chance to speak directly to the American people on issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans--the health and well-being of Americans, American Black men and boys. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), my honorable colleague.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wilson).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. I yield now to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank my coanchor, Jonathan Jackson, from the great State of Illinois for coanchoring this Special Order for the last year and a half I think it is. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the courageous Black women trailblazers whose determination and unwavering dedication have shaped the history of our country. Because of them, I can speak before you on this floor today. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the courage and the commitment of Black women who have left an indelible mark on our society and inspired future generations to carry the torch of justice. Among these trailblazers stands Shirley Chisholm, who shattered the glass ceiling in American politics. She holds a special place in my heart. Shirley Chisholm broke down the barriers and beat the odds to become the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968. She proudly fought for the rights of neglected communities and progressive politics that benefit working families. Her historic 1972 Presidential campaign upended the status quo and gave hope to a new generation of leaders by encouraging them to trust in the strength of their voices. However, Shirley Chisholm wasn't alone. She was surrounded by women such as Barbara Jordan, a powerful force in American politics due to her unrelenting devotion to justice. She made history by being the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate and the first Black woman from the South to be elected to United States House of Representatives. She worked nonstop to advocate for civil rights, immigration reform, and the rule of law. Last year, we mourned the loss of Eddie Bernice Johnson. I had the honor of serving alongside her at the end of the 117th Congress. Her whole life was about serving others, whether it was as a nurse at the VA in Dallas or in the Halls of this very institution. These trailblazers and countless others who followed in their footsteps have made a lasting impression on women's history. Their legacy is proof of the perseverance of the American people. We can pay tribute to these extraordinary people during Women's History Month by recommitting to the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans. In their honor, let us strive to create a better union for all the generations to come.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, as we gather here today, we must recognize and honor the contributions of Black women in politics. These leaders have paved the way for all women to have a seat at the table. When we look back at significant historical events like the civil rights movement, we tend to overlook the women who played significant roles behind the scenes. The time to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate their achievements is long overdue. There is one particular person who I would like to highlight, Ms. Prathia Hall. Born on January 1, 1940, she was known by various titles, including mother, preacher, feminist, and civil rights activist. Most importantly, she was the key inspiration behind Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s prominent ``I Have a Dream'' speech delivered during the August 1963 March on Washington. Despite experiencing racism and personal tragedies from a young age, Hall was able to follow in her father's footsteps and become a passionate advocate for racial and social justice. This story is simply one of many who, despite being a key piece to the puzzle of our democratic system and making up 7.8 percent of the population, Black women are less than 5 percent officeholders elected to serve in executive offices, Congress, and State legislatures. Black women have given 110 percent of their time and efforts in leading and serving as attorneys, plaintiffs, organizers, educators, secretaries, and while playing many more roles in the background. March is a significant month to honor the contributions of Black women in American history. We shouldn't just honor the legacy of Prathia Hall on this single day. It is our responsibility to honor her every single day from now on. As Black women continue to struggle for representation, we have a responsibility to ensure that the progress made by Black women in the past is not lost. We have a responsibility to pursue and fight for equality for everyone and make sure our fight for equality is eventually attained.